A wave of criticism has erupted across Nigerian social media following a post by Hon. Miriam Onuoha, a member of the House of Representatives, in which she claimed to have “secured federal employment” for several constituents. The announcement, made via her official X (formerly Twitter) account, included photos of beneficiaries receiving what appeared to be employment letters into agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the National Assembly Service Commission, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
While Onuoha, who represents the Okigwe North Federal Constituency of Imo State and chairs the House Committee on TETFund and Other Services, framed the gesture as part of her legislative accomplishments, many Nigerians online saw it differently. The post quickly drew sharp rebukes from citizens who questioned the legality and fairness of such appointments.
“This is a disgraceful abuse of power,” one user wrote. “Handing out federal jobs like personal favors spits in the face of merit and mocks the struggles of qualified Nigerians.”
Critics argue that the move undermines the principles of transparency and meritocracy enshrined in Nigeria’s public service recruitment laws. According to the Federal Civil Service Rules and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, appointments into federal agencies must follow due process, including public advertisement and competitive selection.
Legal analysts and civil society groups have also weighed in, warning that such actions could violate anti-corruption statutes and the constitutional principle of federal character. “No law empowers lawmakers to distribute federal jobs,” said one legal expert. “This is not representation—it’s patronage.”
As of press time, neither the FIRS, TETFund, nor the National Assembly Service Commission has issued a statement regarding the appointments or the process by which they were made.